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Lead Wrangler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

rockingj

Wrangler

Philipsburg, MT

Wrangler Department: Equine Reports to: Director of Equine and Agriculture Operations Exempt/Non ... Lead guest trail rides and equestrian activities; ensure safety, education, and enjoyment in ...

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Wrangler

Philipsburg, MT · On-site

Wrangler Department: Equine Reports to: Director of Equine and Agriculture Operations Exempt/Non ... Lead guest trail rides and equestrian activities; ensure safety, education, and enjoyment in ...

ONP Snow Mountain LLC

Horse Wrangler

Chester, CA

$16.90/hr

As a Wrangler, you'll care for our horses, lead guests safely on rides, and help create a welcoming, fun, and safe environment for everyone at the ranch. This is more than a job--it's a summer ...

Sky Ranches, Inc.

Wrangler (Full-Time)

Van, TX · On-site

Lead group trail rides and activities for Retreats guests and Outdoor Education classes. * Drive trucks with trailers (people movers) to various locations as needed. * Assist the Head Wrangler and ...

Sky Ranches Inc

Wrangler (Full-Time)

Van, TX · On-site

Lead group trail rides and activities for Retreats guests and Outdoor Education classes. * Drive trucks with trailers (people movers) to various locations as needed. * Assist the Head Wrangler and ...

Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

Be Seen First

Seasonal Wrangler - Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Seasonal Wrangler - Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch Spend your season riding through the Sonoran Desert ... Lead guided trail rides for guests of varying riding abilities while enduring safety and enjoyment

Four Seasons Hotels Limited

Wrangler

Lanai City, HI · On-site

$27.91/hr

WRANGLER The Four Seasons Resorts Lāna'i is looking for a Wrangler who shares a passion for ... Lead or assist with guided trail rides, including groups with children * Maintain a clean and ...

Four Seasons

$27.91/hr

WRANGLER The Four Seasons Resorts Lana'i is looking for a Wrangler who shares a passion for ... Lead guided horseback trail rides by providing riding instruction, monitoring guest safety ...

Four Seasons

$27.91/hr

WRANGLER The Four Seasons ResortsLana'iis looking for a Wrangler who shares a passion for ... Lead orassistwith guided trail rides, including groups with children * Maintain a clean and ...

CRISTA Camps

Wrangler

Port Orchard, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $18/hr

POSTION SUMMARY The Wrangler will provide guests with a safe, fun, and meaningful horsemanship ... Lead and supervise trail rides. * Share responsibility for care and feeding of horses.

CRISTA Camps

Wrangler

Port Orchard, WA

$17.13 - $18/hr

POSTION SUMMARY The Wrangler will provide guests with a safe, fun, and meaningful horsemanship ... Lead and supervise trail rides. * Share responsibility for care and feeding of horses.

CRISTA Camps

Wrangler

Port Orchard, WA

$17.13 - $18/hr

POSTION SUMMARY The Wrangler will provide guests with a safe, fun, and meaningful horsemanship ... Lead and supervise trail rides. * Share responsibility for care and feeding of horses.

CRISTA Camps

Wrangler

Port Orchard, WA · On-site

POSTION SUMMARY The Wrangler will provide guests with a safe, fun, and meaningful horsemanship ... Lead and supervise trail rides. * Share responsibility for care and feeding of horses.

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Lead Wrangler information

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How much do lead wrangler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead wrangler in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lead Wrangler?

A Lead Wrangler is typically responsible for managing and coordinating teams or assets, often in the context of animal care, production, or logistics. In entertainment or ranching industries, a Lead Wrangler supervises the handling, movement, and care of animals, ensuring their safety and welfare. The role may also involve training junior wranglers, organizing schedules, and maintaining equipment. Strong leadership, animal handling skills, and experience in the field are usually required.

What are the common challenges faced by a Lead Wrangler when managing a team of wranglers on large ranches or during cattle drives?

A Lead Wrangler often encounters challenges such as coordinating communication among team members, ensuring the safety and welfare of both the wranglers and livestock, and adapting to unpredictable weather or terrain conditions. Managing schedules, delegating tasks, and resolving conflicts within the team are also key aspects of the role. Success requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while working closely with ranch management and other departments.

What is the difference between Lead Wrangler vs Rodeo Clown?

AspectLead WranglerRodeo Clown
Primary RoleOversees animal handling and management for rodeos or eventsPerforms entertainment and safety duties during rodeos, including distracting bulls
Required SkillsAnimal handling, leadership, safety protocolsPerformance skills, agility, crowd interaction
Work EnvironmentRodeo arenas, farms, event settingsRodeo arenas, entertainment venues
CertificationsAnimal handling certifications often preferredPerformance experience, safety training

While both roles are involved in rodeo events, the Lead Wrangler primarily manages animals and ensures safety, whereas the Rodeo Clown focuses on entertainment and crowd safety during performances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Wrangler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Wrangler, you need strong expertise in horse handling, animal behavior, and ranch operations, often backed by experience or certifications in equine management. Familiarity with tack and equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and possibly first aid certification is crucial. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and ensure guest satisfaction. These abilities are vital to maintain safety, efficiency, and a positive environment for both animals and people on the ranch.
More about Lead Wrangler jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Wrangler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Wrangler jobs are:
Lead Wrangler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Wrangler job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 10% Summer. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Level 3 Wrangler (Lead Wrangler)

Western Camps, Inc.

Sanger, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Western Camps, Inc.
Western Camps, Inc. is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing meaningful outdoor, educational, and recreational experiences for individuals, families, and groups. Operating under the names Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, Wonder Valley Outdoor Education Center, and River Way Ranch Camp, we offer a range of programs and services that emphasize personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community connection.
Located in the foothills near Sanger, California, our facilities are situated within close proximity to Sequoia National Park, offering a unique setting that combines natural beauty with accessibility. With a long-standing commitment to safety, integrity, and excellence, Western Camps, Inc. strives to create environments where guests, students, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and inspired.
We value collaboration, professionalism, and a strong work ethic, and we are proud of the positive impact our programs have on the people and communities we serve. Join our team and enjoy meaningful work, great benefits, and perks that make every shift rewarding!
6450 Elwood Rd. Sanger, CA 93657
About the role
The Level 3 Wrangler is the lead wrangler within the Stables Department and models the standard for professionalism, horsemanship, guest service, and teamwork.
This individual serves as a trusted leader who supports the daily operation of the department and confidently steps into a leadership role in the absence of the Stables Manager. While this is not a management position, the Level 3 Wrangler is expected to lead by example, mentor fellow wranglers, and help ensure the department operates safely, efficiently, and professionally.
While advanced horsemanship is required, this role emphasizes leadership, Outdoor Education, guest engagement, mentorship, and exceptional customer service every day. The Level 3 Wrangler models professionalism, teamwork, and leadership by example while serving as a trusted resource for fellow wranglers. When the Stables Manager is unavailable or occupied with other departmental responsibilities, the Level 3 Wrangler provides operational support and helps keep daily activities running smoothly.
Our department is much more than lessons and trail rides. Throughout the year we instruct classes for Outdoor Education programs and school field trips, provide horse experiences, guest activities, and summer horse camp programs. We are looking for someone who understands that creating meaningful experiences for guests is just as important as caring for our horses.
Leadership Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the lead wrangler and primary point of contact when the Stables Manager is unavailable.
  • Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude.
  • Support and mentor Level 1 and Level 2 Wranglers.
  • Help train new employees and reinforce department expectations.
  • Promote teamwork while fostering a positive and respectful work environment.
  • Take initiative and confidently make day-to-day operational decisions within department guidelines.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement and communicate them effectively to the Stables Manager.

Outdoor Education & Instruction
  • Independently teach all Outdoor Education horse classes.
  • Deliver engaging educational experiences for school groups, campers, and guests of all ages.
  • Adapt teaching methods to different age groups and learning styles.
  • Assist in developing and improving Outdoor Education curriculum.
  • Maintain class materials and communicate supply needs.
  • Communicate any student, teacher, or guest concerns to the Stables Manager and/or Manager on Duty.

Guest Experience
The Level 3 Wrangler is expected to create exceptional guest experiences by:
  • Delivering friendly, professional, and personalized customer service.
  • Building genuine connections with guests.
  • Creating a welcoming and engaging environment.
  • Anticipating guest needs before they are expressed.
  • Handling guest concerns with professionalism, empathy, and confidence.
  • Creating memorable experiences that encourage guests to return.

Horsemanship
  • Demonstrate advanced horse handling and horsemanship skills.
  • Safely lead trail rides and guest riding experiences.
  • Recognize changes in horse behavior, soundness, or health.
  • Administer medications as directed.
  • Assist with evaluating horses for lessons, trail rides, camps, and Outdoor Education programs.
  • Safely harness, hitch, and operate driving horses when assigned.
  • Maintain the highest standards of horse welfare and safety.

Qualifications
  • Demonstrated advanced horsemanship and horse handling experience.
  • Experience teaching or working with children and groups.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Outstanding customer service skills.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions.
  • Professional, dependable, and self-motivated.
  • Flexible availability, including afternoons, weekends, holidays, and seasonal events.

Non-Negotiables
A successful candidate must:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of horse behavior, handling, safety, welfare, and daily management.
  • Consistently prioritize the safety and well-being of horses, guests, students, and fellow staff.
  • Possess the horsemanship, judgment, and experience necessary to confidently handle a wide variety of horses and situations with minimal supervision.
  • Model professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a positive attitude in every aspect of the job.
  • Lead by example and positively influence fellow wranglers through mentorship, teamwork, and effective communication.
  • Demonstrate exceptional customer service and create safe, engaging, and memorable guest experiences.
  • Confidently teach Outdoor Education classes, horse experiences, and riding programs while adapting to the needs of different age groups and learning styles.
  • Be coachable, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning and professional development.
  • Take initiative, solve problems independently, and know when to involve the Stables Manager.
  • Independently lead trail rides and horse experiences while ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, riders, guests, and staff.
  • Assess trail, weather, horse, rider, and environmental conditions and exercise sound judgment when making decisions that impact safety and the guest experience.
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies involving horses, riders, guests, or staff by following department emergency procedures, remaining calm under pressure, and exercising sound judgment.
  • Support department policies, safety standards, and the mission of the Stables Department.
  • Be available to work afternoons, weekends, holidays, and seasonal programs as needed.
  • Understand that this role extends beyond riding and includes leadership by example, Outdoor Education, guest engagement, mentorship, and supporting the success of the entire department.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate and verify the knowledge, skills, and experience required for a Level 3 Wrangler through the interview process, practical evaluations, and professional references.

Apply